April4, 2011

Washington D.C. – Ranking Member Adam Smith
(WA-09) released the following statement in response to the Administration’s
announcement that it will move forward with the prosecution of the alleged
September 11th conspirators:

“On September 11th, 2001 our country was
maliciously attacked. This attack challenged our resolve, as well as our values
– both have endured that test.

“The men who conceived and
executed that heinous attack will be brought to justice and the world will see
that the system they sought to destroy has not been shaken. They must be
prosecuted in a way that upholds our Constitution and our values and that
ensures our national security. Today’s announcement brings us closer to
achieving that goal.

“Moving forward, we must craft a
long-term legal framework and policies for detaining, interrogating and trying
our enemies. We must keep in mind that while military tribunals are the correct
courses of action in some cases, it might not be the right course of action in
every case. Any long-term term policy must not limit the President’s ability to
prosecute those who wish to do our nation harm. It must ensure our national security and uphold our
values.”